Northam Stakes Upgraded to Group 3 Status
13 October, 2017
Thoroughbred
Racing Australia has today announced the Northam Stakes will be upgraded from Listed to Group 3 status from 2018.
Racing Australia upgraded the status of eight races for 2018, including the Northam Stakes which was the only race outside of New South Wales to receive an upgrade.
Despite being a recent addition to the calendar, the Northam Stakes has been won by some of Western Australia’s best sprinters, including Magnifisio (2014 and 2016), Barakey (2012) and First Among Equals (2017).
Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s (RWWA) Commercial Racing and Planning Manager, David Hunter, said he expected the race to only get stronger with the upgrade to Group 3 level.
“The strategic positioning of the Northam Stakes over 1100m two weeks before the Roma Cup [G3] has made it an attractive race for owners and trainers to kick off their winter sprinting campaigns,” said Hunter.
“It was pleasing to see this relatively new race quickly develop into a Listed race after the distance change to 1100m, and the race now receives further recognition for its consistent quality of competition with elevation to Group 3 status.”
Northam Race Club Manager, Nicole Bell, said it was exciting for the club to have its premier sprint race now run at Group 3 level.
“To have the quality fields that we have seen in recent years running at a regional track is a special thing,” said Bell.
“It is a great honour to host the only Group race outside of the metropolitan area and we thank the industry for the support in establishing and growing this race.”
Racing Australia has also placed a four year moratorium on the downgrade of Group and Listed races run at 2400m or further, including the Perth Cup and the WATC Derby.
These races will not be at risk of downgrade before 2019/20, in an attempt to strengthen staying race programs throughout the country.
The Northam Stakes will be run at Group 3 level for the first time on 6 May 2018, and in accordance with policy, prizemoney will increase to $150,000 to match the minimum stakes level applicable at Group 3 level.